Electric Machine Cooling Circuit Using Turbine Flowpath Air
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electric machines in powerplants, such as auxiliary power units for aircraft, are in need of improvement to more effectively dissipate heat generated during operation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid circuit is integrated into the powerplant, connecting the turbine engine's flowpath to the electric machine through ports and conduits, allowing air to be drawn through internal passages to cool the electric machine during both startup and regular operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air is drawn through the internal passage to cool the electric machine, then heat dissipation is enhanced, but the system complexity increases due to the integrated fluid circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system merges the turbine engine's exhaust flowpath with the electric machine's cooling passages through an integrated fluid circuit. The conduit system combines the turbine exhaust stream and directs it through the electric machine's internal passages, allowing one system (turbine exhaust) to serve dual purposes: power generation and cooling the electric machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine engine's exhaust air is given multiple functions: it serves as both the exhaust from the turbine and as the cooling medium for the electric machine. The fluid circuit system allows the same air stream to perform both roles simultaneously, eliminating the need for a separate cooling air source.
2Temperature
If the fluid circuit is integrated during regular operation, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the risk of surge increases during startup
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the fluid circuit configuration based on operational phase. During startup, the conduit connecting the turbine exhaust to the electric machine cooling passages is closed or restricted to prevent surge conditions. During regular operation, the conduit is opened to enable efficient cooling through the integrated circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for different operational phases by controlling the fluid circuit configuration in advance. Before entering regular operation, the system ensures the cooling conduit is properly opened. During startup, the conduit remains closed to prevent surge, and only after stable operation is achieved is the cooling circuit activated.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively cools the electric machine by utilizing air from the turbine engine's flowpath, enhancing heat dissipation and preventing surge during startup, while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The turbine engine is configured to draw air through the internal passage and into the core flowpath during operation
Implementation Method 2
The system effectively cools the electric machine by utilizing air from the turbine engine's flowpath, enhancing heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
A powerplant is provided that includes an electric machine, a turbine engine and a fluid circuit. The turbine engine is operatively coupled to the electric machine. The turbine engine includes a flowpath, a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. The flowpath extends through the compressor section, the combustor section and the turbine section from an inlet into the flowpath to an exhaust from the flowpath. The compressor section includes a shroud forming a peripheral boundary of the flowpath. The fluid circuit includes a passage, a port and a conduit. The passage is within the electric machine. The port extends through the shroud to the flowpath. The conduit fluidly couples the passage to the port.